S’mores Cookie Bars: A Gooey Delight That Brings the Campfire Indoors

There’s something uniquely nostalgic about the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow-laden perfection of a s’more. It instantly conjures images of crackling campfires, laughter-filled evenings, and sticky fingers. But what if you could capture that beloved campfire treat and transform it into something even more indulgent? Enter S’mores Cookie Bars, a layered dessert that elevates the classic trio of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate into a gourmet experience.

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These cookie bars are a dessert lover’s dream—easy to make, fun to share, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Picture this: a crunchy graham cracker base topped with a rich cookie dough infused with chocolate chips and marshmallows, crowned with decadent Hershey’s milk chocolate squares. Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite outdoor gathering, no matter the season.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the art of making S’mores Cookie Bars, exploring their irresistible appeal, the magic behind each ingredient, and creative variations to suit every palate. Whether you’re hosting a party, surprising the kids with an after-school treat, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite in your dessert repertoire.

The Ingredients: Building Blocks of Sweet Perfection

A standout dessert begins with the right ingredients. Each component of S’mores Cookie Bars plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s break down the essentials:

1. Graham Crackers

• Amount: 7–8 full sheets (78–109g)
• Role: The graham crackers form the foundation of this dessert, lending a toasty, honeyed crunch that provides structure and perfectly complements the softer layers above.

2. Unsalted Butter

• Amount: 1 cup (226g), softened
• Role: Butter is the key to a rich and tender cookie dough. Its creamy consistency binds the sugars and flour, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Sugars

• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
• Light Brown Sugar: ¾ cup (150g), gently packed
• Role: The combination of granulated and brown sugars delivers sweetness while contributing to the moist, slightly chewy texture of the cookie layer. Brown sugar, in particular, adds a subtle caramel note.

4. Eggs

• Amount: 2 large
• Role: Eggs are essential for binding the dough and ensuring a soft, tender crumb in the baked bars.

5. Vanilla Extract

• Amount: 2 teaspoons
• Role: Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the dessert, adding warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

6. Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g)
• Salt: ¾ teaspoon
• Baking Soda: ¾ teaspoon
• Role: These form the structural backbone of the cookie dough, ensuring it bakes up beautifully with just the right amount of rise.

7. Add-Ins

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: ½ cup (135g)
• Mini Marshmallows: 1 cup (45g)
• Role: These are the stars of the cookie layer, delivering gooey, chocolatey pockets of joy in every bite.

8. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars

• Amount: 2 regular-sized bars (1.55 oz/43g each), broken into squares
• Role: Placed atop the warm cookie bars, these melt slightly to create the signature s’mores effect, adding creamy milk chocolate to every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Masterpiece

Creating S’mores Cookie Bars is as satisfying as eating them. The process is straightforward, but the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over the sides for easy removal. This step not only prevents sticking but also makes lifting the finished bars out of the pan a breeze.

Step 2: Lay the Graham Cracker Base

Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the pan. Break them into smaller sections if needed to ensure full coverage. This layer will provide the signature crunch reminiscent of classic s’mores.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps the dough achieve a tender texture.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for bursts of gooey, melty goodness throughout the dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham cracker base. Use your hands or a spatula to press the dough down gently, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan. If desired, sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows on top for added visual appeal and gooey texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the edges brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Bar Topping

While the cookie bars are still warm from the oven, place the Hershey’s chocolate squares on top. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere to the cookie layer.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20–30 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean edges, wipe the blade with a damp cloth between cuts.

A Feast for the Senses: The S’mores Experience

Biting into a S’mores Cookie Bar is like experiencing dessert nirvana. Here’s what makes them unforgettable:

Texture

• The graham cracker base provides a satisfying crunch.
• The cookie layer is soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate and marshmallows.
• The Hershey’s chocolate squares on top are creamy and slightly melted, adding a luxurious finish.

Flavor

• Notes of caramelized sugar from the cookie dough meld seamlessly with the honeyed graham crackers.
• The chocolate chips and Hershey’s bars deliver rich cocoa flavors.
• The marshmallows add a sweet, toasty dimension that ties everything together.

Aroma

As the bars bake, your kitchen fills with the warm, inviting scent of vanilla, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow—a sensory reminder of campfires and cozy gatherings.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Even Baking: If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them.
• Clean Slicing: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for perfectly portioned bars.

Creative Variations

Flavor Twists

• Peanut Butter: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a nutty twist.
• Mint Chocolate: Substitute mint chocolate chips for a refreshing flavor.
• Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel over the finished bars for an extra layer of indulgence.

Presentation Options

• Mini Portions: Use a muffin tin to create individual cookie cups.
• Festive Decorations: Add sprinkles or edible glitter for holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

S’mores Cookie Bars combine the best of two worlds: the comforting nostalgia of s’mores and the indulgent satisfaction of cookie bars. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck, enjoying them with family, or treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to delight. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of s’mores transform your kitchen into a dessert haven.